On the offensive: Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah has overtaken Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon as the Big Ten's most productive tailback, at 134.8 yards per game. The Spartans' Jeremy Langford has had four straight 100-yard games.

Getting defensive: Michigan State's rush defense is easily the nation's best, at 43.4 yards per game and 1.6 yards per carry. Nebraska's defense is much improved, averaging 12.2 yards allowed in its last 25 drives.

The number: 7. Nebraska is 7-0 all-time against the Spartans. Wow.

The talk: Michigan State can all but lock up the Legends Division with a victory. Nebraska needs the win to have a shot at the Big Ten title game.

Teddy Greenstein's pick: Even if they're flat after a week off, the Spartans "D" is too strong.